Mercer County Commission passes resolution honoring the late Coach Tony Colobro

Greg Jordan, Bluefield Daily Telegraph, W.Va.
Updated ·2 min read

Mar. 16—By GREG JORDAN

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

PRINCETON — A resolution approved this week by the Mercer County Commission is honoring one of southern West Virginia's most highly respected and admired coaches.

Tony Colobro, whose life was honored March 12 by the county commission, passed away March 3.

"A member of America's Greatest Generation, Coach Colobro was in his early 20s when he joined the U.S. Army and was assigned as a surgical technician with the 103th Infantry Division, known as the Cactus Division because many of its soldiers hailed from the U.S. Southwest," County Commission President Bill Archer said as he read the resolution into the official record.

The 103th entered France after D-Day, the Allied invasion of occupied Europe on June 6, 1944, and fought its way across France into Germany, according to the resolution.

"Upon returning home, Coach traveled to Morgantown where he earned his degree from West Virginia University. Upon graduation, he came home to the "Free State of McDowell" and started his teaching/coaching career at Iaegar High School," according to the resolution. "A gifted educator and coach, Tony guided the futures of student athletes at Welch High School, Bluefield State University and Concord University. He led the Mountain Lions to many conference and championship games, was honored to become inducted into five football halls of fame, and in 1985, was inducted into the NAIA Coaches Hall of Fame."

"Coach Colobro's knowledge of young athletes extended well beyond southern West Virginia," according to the resolution. "During his stents at both Bluefield State and Concord, he was well informed of talented young athletes from the central Appalachian region and beyond. Throughout his career, he guided people to be skilled athletes, positive role models and good citizens."

"Be it resolved that the Mercer County Commission expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family and many friends of the late Coach Tony Colobro," according to the resolution. "Throughout his life, Coach made a positive impact on Mercer and McDowell counties, the state of West Virginia and our nation."

Commissioner Gene Buckner and Commissioner Greg Puckett joined Archer in passing the resolution unanimously. Colobro's son, Nick Colobro, accepted the resolution on behalf of his family.

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com